MarshalltownDuraSoft I Taping Knife,6 Inch, Stainless Steel Blade, Drywall, DuraSoft Handle, 3506SD

Marshalltown makes the best taping and mudding tools

I like Marshalltown knives because I get my job done, faster and well done specially with the 20 inches spatula, I recommend this product to anyone 👌

I recently took on a DIY drywall project. I've done minimal drywalling in the past, mainly just patches. After watching a few videos I decided I could do it! And I wanted to get tools that would last a long time so I chose Marshalltown for the majority of my purchases. I'm not affiliated with them whatsoever, but it was clear from many resources that they make good tools. And I agree completely.The handle on this knife (and the others) are sized well for my hands and contoured for comfort. It is a little rubbery so it's comfortable to hold and won't slip around. Some competitors' handles are slick wood, metal or plastic and I'm sure I would get tired a lot more quickly using those. The handle is also a great length, allowing my hand to stay close to the blade but far enough away so I could feather at a low angle.The blade has a slight taper to it, so the rigid tip is slightly narrower than the blade tip. This lets you get into corners (and into your mud pan) very easily. It also lets you skew the blade as you feather out the corner so you don't build up a ridge of mud and have to go over the corner multiple times. The blade is a great thickness, and will flex slightly as needed but isn't so flexible that it's easy to bend, dent or wrinkle.The stainless steel cleaned up really easily and shows no sign of wear at all. Of course, I haven't used this knife as a pro would, but I fully expect it to last a long time. Very well made and an excellent value! I'd definitely recommend these knives and would buy them again if they ever do wear out (or, more likely, if my neighbor "borrows" them)!

I have mixed feelings about a 3-star rating for the tool, because I think that what I found to be drawbacks wouldn't be so on a wider tool. What I like about the tool is the stiffness it provides, the material used for the handle, and the fact that all metal parts are stainless and seem to be of high quality (unlike a WallBoard joint knife, for instance, where the screws aren't stainless and rust badly). What I don't like is the very narrow squared off tip on this model which I find ends up cutting into corners unless I pay very close attention. The proportions of the 6" I also find somewhat awkward to use. I think these might not be issues were the tool wider. I personally find a rounded edge knife works best for a 6", and the best I've used are the Hyde s/s ones available through Amazon (NOT the non s/s ones found at Home Depot). . As far as the awkwardness I experienced with the 6" Marshalltown I don't think that would be the case in dierently proportioned size 10" or larger.For anyone trying to discern the difference between the Marshalltown knives with the Durasoft handle (beginning with #'s 35...) and the line specifying the Durasoft II handle (beginning with #'s 45.... ), the differences are that the Durasoft II lhandle is MUCH smaller, the riveted section is narrower and makes for a bit more flex, and the squared off portion at the end of the blade is wider, making it easier to work in corners. I think both lines are good, and choosing one would end up being a matter of personal preference.

I good tool and the biggest drywall compound spreader I've seen outside the contractors only showrooms. This tool is great when you are trying to feather out a budge or other imperfection in drywall. This tool creates a swath so wide it hides a multitude of drywall sins. The only negative about this drywall tool is it has more flex in its handle than I like. I want to have more direct control over the pressure placed against the wall than this design gives. The handle is not rigid it flexes in ways that make it less than perfect for its intended purpose. While not perfect it is darn good and if you are not overly demanding of this tool it will serve you well when applying drywall mud.I have also discovered that if you are steaming wallpaper from a flat wall this tool does a good job removing steam softened wallpaper. The fact that this tool does two jobs fairly well earns it a five star rating.

Well made but not straight just like the other reviewer, but it can be tweaked Mine was about 90% straight. The bump was near the center of the blade. To fix it, mark the high spot on the blade and support the spine with a piece of 2x4. Then with the warp/high spot facing up hit the spot on the spine that is inline with the warp lightly with a hammer. It may take a few whacks but it will true up. It may be the way they store or ship the product that causes the damage. Afterward break and radius the corners and edges with a file and sanding block to give you an edge that will produce a super smooth compound coat.

My new favorite knife. It is built strong and has a professional feeling when held compared to cheaper knives. It is weighted and stiff with a comfortable soft dense rubber handle. Totally worth the extra few dollars compared to the other brands. I'm switching all my wider blades to Marshalltown. I was using big box store blades which i found flex too much to leave a true taper as they create a recess in the mud when applying pressure. This is more relevant with 12 inch + blades but with how how reinforced this one is I can tell their wider blades are just what I needed. It takes quality tools to get quality results.

Based on other lower reviews, I guess it's a style thing, but I love this knife line. I'm not a pro, but do a lot of taping for our family-owned "flip" business, and I have 6" through 12" models of this series.Like the soft handles, and the flex is just right -- not too stiff or too flexible. Edges are more square than pictured, but once you get used to them they are very clean. Stainless steel is good quality, no rust issues at all.

If you're plastering, patching or tape and jointing, this is a high quality, ergonomic and simple but splendid tool which has paid for itself many times over in the short time I've owned it. Some tools will last a lifetime and this may be one of those.

I don't have a likeness to this marshalltown taping knife. Its too stiff and not flexible. Waste of money. Very difficult to control and can't speed up work it. I have to buy different brand type to work with.

a good quality tool had lots of use spot on

I was hoping for a new product... I guess is second hand... I don't know who is to blame, but I'm disappointed..

Has no rival used in conjunction with a 6inch Marshalltown filling knife. I am a professional decorator and I simply cannot work without these two. Small and big repairs alike are a million times easier with these. There is nothing out there to compare them with. I know they were meant for tape & jointing, but that is just filling on a larger scale. With these you can even skim entire walls easily. 2 thin coats and youre done.I have been using these for years and I don't understand why retailers don't stock them. Same with Cox caulk guns. I always have to order them off internet.